Does anyone kayak with their dog? I acquired a puppy in October and Iím hoping to teach him to ride in the kayak with me. Unfortunately the fiberglass kayak I presently own will not be suitable for the both of us. Iím looking for suggestions on brands and types; sit on tops, recreational, small tandem or perhaps a fishing kayak. He will probably be about 50 pounds no more than 60 pounds at most. We will paddle on calm inland lakes, well, Iíll paddle heíll just sit there so Iím looking for decent stability, comfort and something that is not too heavy for one person to carry. Any suggestions or personal experience would be appreciated.

We had an Ocean Kayak and a schipperke dog. When we sailed for 5 years Ajax rode on the front standing up. Many times the waves were breaking on to shore or we would go in by dingy. My wife use to surf her way to the beach with our dog. They dumped alot because of the break at times but she just grabbed him and pulled the kayak on the beach. The funny part was getting back out past the break. So yes it easy to train your dog to do it. After a few times he knew where to stand and put his paws down. Him and my wife use to be on that Kayak all the time. It was only about 8' long sit on top type....

So we went to the kayak shop looked at several kayaks the one puppy was most comfortable in was the Perception Prodigy 13.5. I loved the Pungo 140 and even had the opportunity to buy a 2015 in Midnight Blue beautiful boat but it was a tight squeeze. Since puppy is not done growing it seemed risky and with an end of season discount we went with the Prodigy 13.5 a little heavier than I would have liked, however, the 22 x 80 inch cockpit will allow plenty of room for growth and it is rudder compatible. Being a poly boat I wonít need to be worried about scratching or chips like with my fiberglass kayak. Now I need to research the best dog PFDs. So the training begins in the barn for now as it is 19 Fahrenheit.Happy New Years

So we went to the kayak shop looked at several kayaks the one puppy was most comfortable in was the Perception Prodigy 13.5. I loved the Pungo 140 and even had the opportunity to buy a 2015 in Midnight Blue beautiful boat but it was a tight squeeze. Since puppy is not done growing it seemed risky and with an end of season discount we went with the Prodigy 13.5 a little heavier than I would have liked, however, the 22 x 80 inch cockpit will allow plenty of room for growth and it is rudder compatible. Being a poly boat I won’t need to be worried about scratching or chips like with my fiberglass kayak. Now I need to research the best dog PFDs. So the training begins in the barn for now as it is 19 Fahrenheit.Happy New Years

Check out DR. Foster pet supply, or even west marine. The main thing is that you have a built in handle on top to grab and won't choke the dog when you pull on it. When we were landed and tied off on a high sea wall with a ladder I use to throw a rope up to my wife and tie the handle to it then pick up the dog and she pulled him the rest of way up as I climbed behind him. Worked well but had to make sure of the padding and fit. But he was only 25 lbs. Then when we left she got in the dingy and I dropped him down to her. You will be surprised how well they will adapt. May I suggest that you block the Kayak for movement when you put him in to get used to it. My dog use to just love going in that kayak with her. He would just stand there right on the bow, just learned his spot and balance. Is that a sit on top type like an Ocean Kayak?

Iíve heard good things about the Kyjen PFD and I think I might be able to buy it locally another one that has my attention is the Salus Skippy Dog Vest I like the way the flotation material is laid out on the sides and under the belly with some running up the chest and two handles to lift him if need be.The Prodigy 13.5 is a sit in side so it will require him to jump in and out on command. Itís was an untested decision whether to go with a sit on top or recreational sit inside ultimately I decided based on his personality I just suspected he might not ride on a SOT. Right know the kayak is in the barn and Iím clicker training him to jump in, sit and lay down. With all the treats involved he doesnít mind gentle movement Iím sure once I add being on the water it will require more time before he is comfortable. Being a very high energy dog it will be interesting to see if heíll want to stay in the kayak Iím expecting to be dumped many times and wonít be venturing too far from shore for awhile. Even the movement of the paddles may be a challenge for him. So offroad and gljurczyk how long did it take for your dogs to become comfortable with riding in the kayak?

It didn't take long at all, but was hesitant to begin with, but it was open and not closed he use just step down to the rear platform and my wife was sideways to the boat the stern was a cut away and I would just help him by picking him up and placing him in. He knew his spot to stand for the ride after I would say maybe a week once a day. But he also lived on a sail boat for 5 years. It was harder for me to get him to pee on the deck then anything that took about a month. He adapted well in our travels. It was a must to begin with we had to get him to shore. I think he realized that to be honest. He use to just jump in the dingy but couldn't do that with the kayak. He use to jump in when on shore then my wife would walk out with him past the breakers then she got in. You will love it with your dog. Just take your time and don't push he will do it. If I can scan a picture in from our album I will post it. The paddle part I would say never bother him because he always stood up with his paws on the bow and was looking forward. Even getting hit with a wave didn't bother him unless they dumped, but that what was nice about the sit on top one for that. Post a picture with him in it. Get him used to the vest first. My only suggestion to you is a lot of praise and good boys. small steps, it will work and you will gain great memories to look back on.

I love my Pungo 120. Very stable. Easy to paddle. Large cockpit for man and dog. The dog will probably rest between your outstretched legs. If anyone has an adult dog of your breed, take him to the kayak store to try it out. Would a canoe be better with a big dog?

I would hesitate to go to the 140, which is 14 feet long and weighs well over 50 pounds. That is a large craft to load onto you roof top carrier after a long day of paddling.

Iíve heard good things about the Kyjen PFD and I think I might be able to buy it locally another one that has my attention is the Salus Skippy Dog Vest I like the way the flotation material is laid out on the sides and under the belly with some running up the chest and two handles to lift him if need be.The Prodigy 13.5 is a sit in side so it will require him to jump in and out on command. Itís was an untested decision whether to go with a sit on top or recreational sit inside ultimately I decided based on his personality I just suspected he might not ride on a SOT. Right know the kayak is in the barn and Iím clicker training him to jump in, sit and lay down. With all the treats involved he doesnít mind gentle movement Iím sure once I add being on the water it will require more time before he is comfortable. Being a very high energy dog it will be interesting to see if heíll want to stay in the kayak Iím expecting to be dumped many times and wonít be venturing too far from shore for awhile. Even the movement of the paddles may be a challenge for him. So offroad and gljurczyk how long did it take for your dogs to become comfortable with riding in the kayak?

Puppy looks at home in the Ocean Kayak. The Pungo 140 was a light 58 pound LOL the Prodigy is a little weighter but I've come up with some interesting ways to load kayaks on the truck and on the trailer by myself. There are some pictures in my album. I've enclosed a picture of the Percetion Prodigy 13. 5 this is the colour white/azure.